Wachusett Works

Thuy Tram of Worcester is theco-owner, with his sister Ha Tram,of the Donut Kitchen at 623 MainSt. in Holden. He most often mansthe drive-thru, about 100 feet fromthe main shop where Adams Roadsplits from Main Street. Just afterthe breakfast rush on a recentweekday, he took a few minutes tochat about his job.

What's your background?

I came to the United States from Vietnam in 1992. My father came first. He worked hard, and then he had all my family come over.

How long have you beenworking at the Donut Kitchen?

Six years.

Do you like it?

I love my job; I'll work here til I retire. I love to talk with the customers, making coffee. Everybody's very friendly.

How often are you at thedrive-thru?

I used to be here five days, then at the shop two days. Now we close on Sunday. That let's us go to church, get rest, then be ready to go to work again the next week (laughs).

Of all the products you sell,what's your personal favorite?

The ham, egg and cheese sandwich. Before I worked here I never drank coffee. Now that I make the coffee, I have to drink it to make sure it's good for everybody else.

Does it get lonely in thedrive-thru?

No, it's not lonely. I'm always ready to take care of the customers.

Have you returned to Vietnamsince you've lived in theU.S.?

I went back there last August. It's good, but I like it here. There's too much noise in the town where I'm from, too many motorcycles.

Why did your father comehere?

He was looking to the future. There were no freedoms in Vietnam. Our family thanks this country for letting us come here and have a chance to work hard.

What does the future holdfor you?

When I went back to Vietnam I got engaged. I'm going to be married in January 2008. [My fiancée and I] knew each other since we were little kids, and then we talked on the phone for a long time. When I went back to Vietnam in August, I asked her to marry me.

Will you start a family ofyour own?

Some day, yes. Not right away; maybe in two years. This will be a new country for my wife, and kids cost a lot of money.

Wachusett Works is one in anoccasional series focusing onpeople and their jobs. If you havean idea for a profile, contact us ateditor@thelandmark.com.